Based on the work you have done so far, what level of the football pyramid do you expect Halifax Town to be reformed at?
The advice received both by Gavin Butler and Supporters Direct from the Football Association and Unibond League is that any new club formed to continue senior football in Halifax should start at Level 6 of the Football Pyramid - the North East Counties Division One. However, the FA explained that due to the club maintaining a respectable average crowd for the 2007/08 season and the fact that the Shay Stadium Trust will continue to support football at The Shay, they would not look at any new club starting below the Unibond Division One North. This would be "unrealistic" especially given that the league is regional and away support would be higher than average.
Following the restructuring of the Unibond League's over the last few years, they have managed to get the Unibond Premier Division how they want it i.e. the right number of teams. There are however two available places in the Unibond One North and "for selfish reasons, it makes it easier for us to put any new club in at this level".
What deadlines are you working to?
Getting a straight answer out of the FA and Unibond League is verging on the impossible. However, Gavin Butler at 12.30pm on Monday 2nd June had an in-depth conversation with the Chief Executive of the Unibond League, Duncan Bayley, who confirmed that there is no immediate deadline.
The FA are holding a Leagues Committee meeting on Monday 9th June following the Conference AGM on the Saturday where Halifax Town AFC expulsion from the Conference is expected to be officially confirmed. There are also doubts over another couple of teams who may also be removed from the Conference structure. The Leagues Committee meeting will decide what will happen to the clubs expelled from the league.
The Unibond AGM is on the following Saturday (14th June) where they will finalise their line-up for the 2008/09 season. The Unibond Premier Division as far as they are concerned is finalised. The Division One however is structured for 22 clubs; there are however only 20. So if at some point a Halifax Football Club seeks a position in the Unibond League - which the FA has suggested is the realistic position for a new club to start - the Unibond will accommodate such a club. They are unwilling to give an exact date, but suggested 2-3 weeks after the AGM. They could not allow much longer as the fixture lists would need drawing up.
Our concerns are the deadlines the Consortium are working to and at what level are they willing to keep involved. In a response from them to a letter we sent they explained that "as far as the ongoing involvement is concerned, that is intrinsically linked with the outcome of the Football Association and the completion of the East Stand, which we understand is trying to overcome a funding shortfall of circa £1m".
It is clear that they may walk away should they not get the outcome that they want. It is also of great concern that the competition of the East Stand is on hold until the future of football at The Shay is known.
Regards
Allan Baker
Chair HTST